Multi-Mode Acceleration-Based Athleticism Measurement System

ABSTRACT

A multi-mode athleticism movement measurement system includes an athlete-borne acceleration sensor and an athleticism processing device to determine athleticism information based upon one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor, the athleticism information corresponding to any of multiple athleticism measurement modes available on athleticism processing device and selectable by a user. A data link between the athlete-borne acceleration sensor and the athleticism rating processing device transmits the one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor to the athleticism rating processing device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/936,039, filed Jul. 22, 2020 and claims priority from co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 14/845,599, filed Sep. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,729,936, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/273,585, filed May 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,126,070, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/709,658, filed Dec. 10,2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,342, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/358,166 filed Jan. 25, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,337,212, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/864,438 filed Sep. 28, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,410, whichclaims priority to U.S. Application No. 60/848,271, filed Sep. 29, 2006.The contents of the above referenced applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Speed, agility, reaction time, and power are some of the determiningcharacteristics influencing the athleticism of an athlete. Athletesstrive to improve their athletic performance in these areas, and coachesand recruiters tend to seek those athletes that have the best set ofthese characteristics for the particular sport.

One method for evaluating and comparing athletes' athleticism involveshaving the athletes perform a common set of exercises and drills.Athletes that perform the exercises or drills more quickly or moreaccurately are usually considered to be better than those with slower orless accurate performance for the same exercise or drill. For example,“cone drills” are routinely used in training and evaluating athletes. Ina typical “cone drill” the athlete must follow a pre-determined coursebetween several marker cones and, in the process, execute a number ofrapid direction changes, and/or switch from forward to backward orlateral running.

Prior systems have utilized accelerometers in or on footwear to discernfootsteps or foot strikes of a runner (or walker) and have calculatedcorresponding running (walking) speed and distance. Examples of suchsystems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,381, 6,876,947; 6,882,955;6,898,550, and 7,072,789. However, such accelerometer systems have notbeen utilized to measure the particular metrics that form the basis ofdetermining broader athleticism ratings.

The present invention includes an athleticism movement measurementsystem having an athlete-borne movement sensor, such as an accelerometer(e.g., piezoelectric accelerometer), which is borne by an athlete. Theathlete-borne acceleration sensor determines timing data for selectedathletic drills, and the timing data are delivered to an athleticismrating processing device to determine an athleticism rating based uponthe timing data. In one implementation, the timing data are deliveredfrom the sensor to the processing device over a wireless data link.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodimentthereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an athleticism movement measurement system.

FIG. 2 is a prior art graph of acceleration readings from a shoe-mountedone-dimensional accelerometer during a running stride.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an agility athletic performance measurementmethod as an illustration of one athleticism measurement mode accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a stride athletic performance measurementmethod as an illustration of another athleticism measurement modeaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a direction-change reaction time athleticperformance measurement method as an illustration of yet anotherathleticism measurement mode according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-mode acceleration-based athleticismmeasurement system 100 that includes a movement sensor 102 (e.g., anaccelerometer, compression sensor, inertial measurement system, etc.)that is borne by an athlete during different athletic drills or tests togenerate acceleration data that are used to generate an athleticismrating, such as a rating described in International patent applicationno. PCT/US2005/040493 for Athleticism Rating and Performance MeasuringSystems, filed by SPARQ, Inc. and incorporated herein by reference.Sensor 12 may include any movement sensor (such as a piezoelectricsensor) that produces voltage or current proportional to acceleration,mechanical stress or strain, etc. For example, a piezoelectric sensor isa highly reliable vibration sensor, accelerometer and dynamic switchelement that can detect foot strikes over time to measure athleticperformance.

Acceleration sensor 102 may be positioned in a shoe, on top of a shoe,fastened around the ankle or wrist, attached to waist belts orincorporated into apparel on the body of the athlete, or otherwise borneby the athlete. In embodiments described below, an acceleration sensor102 is positioned in or secured to one or each of an athlete's shoes.

Acceleration sensor 102 communicates over a link 104 with an athleticismrating processing device 106. In one implementation link 104 is awireless, digital, low-power RF link with 1- or 2-way transmission, buta wired link could alternatively be employed in some applications.Athleticism rating processing device 106 may include one or more of anathleticism timing system, such as a SPARQ XLR8 Digital Timing system,available from SPARQ Marketing & Media of Portland, Oreg., or astopwatch, sport watch, digital music player (e.g., iPod® media player),cell phone, wireless athleticism measurement kiosk, etc. configured tocommunicate over link 104 with acceleration sensor 102.

Athleticism rating processing device 106 allows a user (e.g., anathlete, coach, etc.) to select an athleticism measurement mode fromamong multiple selectable athleticism measurement modes. During ameasurement mode, athleticism rating processing device 106 obtains andstores acceleration data from acceleration sensor 102 and selectedtiming data. In addition, athleticism rating processing device 106 maycue the athlete to perform certain actions during an athleticismmeasurement or may provide feedback during or after the measurement.

In one implementation, athleticism rating processing device 106 deliversthe acceleration data and the timing data by wired or wirelesscommunication to an athleticism rating computer system 108 thatcalculates an athleticism rating based in part on the acceleration dataand timing data. Athleticism rating computer system 108 can be at thelocation where the athlete performs the athletic drills or tests or maybe accessed over a computer network (e.g., the Internet). In analternative implementation, athleticism rating processing device 106 maycalculate an athleticism rating directly.

FIG. 2 is graph 200 of prior art acceleration readings from a vertical,one-dimensional shoe-mounted accelerometer during the time period of arunning stride to illustrate characteristics of acceleration readingsduring an athletic activity. Graph 200 includes a first major positiveacceleration spike 202 corresponding to a heel strike during a runningstride and a second major positive acceleration spike 204 correspondingto a subsequent strike during the running stride. A prolonged secondarypositive acceleration peak 206 preceding a negative acceleration spike208 corresponds to a “toe-off” phase of the running stride.

Prior art acceleration readings form the basis of determining a runningor walking speed, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,381 of DynastreamInnovations, Inc. In contrast, multi-mode acceleration-based athleticismmeasurement system 100 employs acceleration readings such as thatrepresented by graph 200 in multiple different modes to measureperformance in multiple different athletic tests or drills.

As described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/040493,International Publication No. WO 2006/053000 for Athleticism Rating andPerformance Measuring Systems, athleticism ratings are calculated fromperformance results of multiple athletic tests or drills. Multi-modeacceleration-based athleticism measurement system 100 generatesacceleration and timing data in multiple distinct modes that correspondto different athletic tests or drills for use in determining anathleticism rating or improving performance in the different tests ordrills. Each mode is selectable by an athlete or other user atathleticism rating processing device 106.

For example, multi-mode acceleration-based athleticism measurementsystem 100 can also be used in drills or tests that characterize agilityor “fast feet” by calculating foot contact time or time aloft, such asin ladder and hurdle training drills in which minimization of footcontact time compared to elapsed time is desirable. Foot contact timerefers to the time an athlete's foot is in contact with the groundsurface, and loft time refers to the time between successive footcontact times during which the athlete's foot is raised above the groundsurface. It will be appreciated that “ground surface” refers to anysurface or surfaces on which an athlete might act, including athleticfields or tracks or floors, or any other surfaces whether or notspecially adapted or designated for athletic performance.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an agility athletic performance measurementmethod 300 that may be performed during a ladder/hurdle drill may beused in connection with calculating an athletic performance rating or inimproving performance in the drill. In a ladder drill, an athlete sidesteps as quickly as possible into and out of multiple successive regionsanalogous to spaces between the rungs of a ladder laying flat on theground. In a hurdle drill, the athlete side moves as quickly as possibleover successive hurdles. Conventionally, performance in both types ofdrill is measured by the overall time in which the athlete completes thedrill. Agility athletic performance measurement method 300 may employ anacceleration sensor 102 positioned in or secured to one or each of theathlete's shoes, preferably an acceleration sensor 102 being positionedin or secured to each of the athlete's shoes. The following descriptionrefers to a ladder/hurdle drill to indicate the applicability of method300 to either drill or the like.

In step 302 a ladder/hurdle drill is selected from among multipleselectable drills or exercises, which correspond to differentmeasurement modes, listed on athleticism rating processing device 106that is worn or carried by the athlete.

In step 304 a timed ladder/hurdle drill is started together with a startof timing of the overall drill duration and a start of collecting ofacceleration data by athleticism measurement system 100 in aladder/hurdle drill mode. The acceleration data may be collected byathleticism rating processing device 106 that is worn, carried, orotherwise borne by the athlete. The start of timing of the overall drillduration may be initiated manually by an observer activating a timer orby the athlete crossing an optical timing start beam, and the start ofcollecting of acceleration data may be initiated by transmission of awireless control signal to athleticism rating processing device 106 uponinitiation of the overall timing.

In step 306 acceleration data are collected by athleticism measurementsystem 100 over the duration of the ladder/hurdle drill.

In step 308 the timed ladder/hurdle drill is ended together with timingof the overall drill duration and the collecting of acceleration data byathleticism measurement system 100. The timing of the overall drillduration may be ended manually by an observer de-activating a timer orby the athlete crossing an optical timing end beam, and the collectingof acceleration data may be ended by transmission of a wireless controlsignal to athleticism rating processing device 106 upon ending of theoverall timing.

With an acceleration sensor 102 being positioned in or secured to eachof the athlete's shoes, the acceleration data can indicate aladder/hurdle step frequency or duration for each step in the drill,including distinguishing between the time each foot is on the groundsurface and not on the ground surface. A drilling and testing goal ofthe ladder/hurdle drill is for an athlete to minimize the time each footspends on the ground at each step (i.e., “fast feet”). The accelerationdata, as an indicator of the ground contact time for each foot duringthe ladder/hurdle drill, can be applied as a factor in an athleticismrating or as a guide to assist an athlete in improving ladder/hurdledrill skills. Likewise, such acceleration data can identify asymmetry inthe ground contact time for the athlete's right and left feet. Thisasymmetry data can also be applied as a factor in an athleticism ratingor as a guide to assist an athlete in improving the athlete's strength,speed and agility drill skills.

Step 310 is an optional additional step in method 300 and occurs duringcollection of the acceleration data. Step 310 indicates that the athleteis given real-time feedback as to whether the drill performance meets apredetermined performance criterion, such as whether the athlete's footcontact time is less than a predefined threshold foot contact time tosatisfy a “fast feet” criterion. In one implementation, the predefinedthreshold foot contact time can be set or selected at athleticism ratingprocessing device 106 (e.g., 0.25 sec). The real-time feedback can beaudible or visual feedback provided by athleticism rating processingdevice 106 during the drill indicating whether the athlete's performancemeets or fails to meet the threshold.

For example, an audible indicator could employ one tone to indicate thatthe criterion is being met, while a different tone indicates that thecriterion is not being met. Likewise, a visual indicator could employone color (e.g., green) to indicate that the criterion is being met,while a different color (e.g., red) indicates that the criterion is notbeing met. Such instantaneous and continuous feedback allows an athleteto modify performance during the drill. A coach could such feedback totest athlete performance in real time and also to set training goals foran athlete.

In addition, an average contact time for each foot can be calculated todetermine whether one foot/leg is slower than the other. If one foot/legis slower than the other, a coach could recommend or assign strengthtraining and more attention on training drills to even the performanceof both an athlete's feet or legs.

The ladder/hurdle drill of method 300 is described with reference to anathlete's performance over a generally flat surface. In anotherimplementation, the data collection of method 300 may be applied to astep drill in which an athlete steps up to and down from one or moreraised steps or platforms, such as a SPARQ Carlisle Speed BOX™ stepdrill platform available from SPARQ Marketing & Media of Portland, Oreg.The collection of acceleration data may be directed to counting steprepetitions within fixed time and determining a foot contact time, asdescribed above.

For example, step drill goals may include maximizing the number of footstrikes on the box or platform within a given time interval. In a drillversion referred to as Step-Ups, the athlete steps quickly onto the boxor platform with one foot and then, as soon as that foot lands on thebox or platform, the other foot follows. The athlete then steps down inthe same manner as quickly as possible. The goal is to minimize thenumber of steps in a given time interval such as by attempting to reducethe number of steps in subsequent drill sets. In addition to the numberof foot strikes or steps, the amount of contact time can also becalculated and used in the manner described above. This can also be usedfor calculating athleticism ratings, improving athlete skills within thedrill and as competition among various athletes.

As another example, multi-mode acceleration-based athleticismmeasurement system 100 can also be used in drills or tests thatcharacterize stride length over a given distance, such as in sprintsover a fixed distance (e.g., 40 yards).

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a stride athletic performance measurementmethod 400 that is performed during a fixed-distance sprint drill andmay be used in connection with calculating an athletic performancerating or improving performance during sprint drills. In afixed-distance sprint drill, an athlete runs as quickly as possible overthe fixed distance. Conventionally, performance in a sprint drill ismeasured by measuring the overall time required for an athlete to runthe fixed distance. The fixed-distance sprint athletic performancemeasurement may employ an acceleration sensor 102 positioned in orsecured to one or each of the athlete's shoes, preferably anacceleration sensor 102 being positioned in or secured to each of theathlete's shoes.

In step 402 a sprint drill is selected from among multiple selectabledrills or exercises, which correspond to different measurement modes,listed on athleticism rating processing device 106 that is worn orcarried by the athlete.

In step 404 a timed sprint drill is started together with a start oftiming of the overall drill duration and a start of collecting ofacceleration data by athleticism measurement system 100 in a sprintdrill mode. The acceleration data may be collected by athleticism ratingprocessing device 106 that is worn or carried by the athlete. The startof timing of the overall drill duration may be initiated manually by anobserver activating a timer or by the athlete crossing an optical timingstart beam, and the start of collecting of acceleration data may beinitiated by transmission of a wireless control signal to athleticismrating processing device 106 upon initiation of the overall timing.

In step 406 acceleration data are collected by athleticism measurementsystem 100 over the duration of the sprint drill.

In step 408 the timed sprint drill is ended together with timing of theoverall drill duration and the collecting of acceleration data byathleticism measurement system 100. The timing of the overall drillduration may be ended manually by an observer de-activating a timer orby the athlete crossing an optical timing end beam, and the collectingof acceleration data may be ended by transmission of a wireless controlsignal to athleticism rating processing device 106 upon ending of theoverall timing.

With an acceleration sensor 102 being positioned in or secured to eachof the athlete's shoes, this acceleration data measurement mode canindicate the number of steps or strides over the fixed distance of thesprint drill. A drilling and testing goal of the sprint drill is for anathlete to minimize the number of steps or strides over thefixed-distance. The acceleration data, as an indicator of the number ofsteps or strides during a sprint drill, can be applied as a factor inusing sprint drill results in an athleticism rating or as a guide toassist an athlete in improving sprint drill skills. For instance, a 40yard sprint performed in 5.0 seconds with 20 strides may be performed inabout 4.8 seconds with a lengthened stride that covers the distance in19 strides. Moreover, acceleration data from both an athlete's shoes canidentify asymmetry in the stride of an athlete's right and left legs.This asymmetry data can be applied as a factor in using sprint drillresults in an athleticism rating or as a guide to assist an athlete inimproving sprint drill skills.

It will be appreciated that in addition to determining stride length, asa number of strides over a fixed distance, the acceleration data inmeasurement method 400 can also indicate stride frequency and footcontact time. Moreover, the athlete may be given real-time feedback(e.g., audible) by athleticism rating processing device 106 during sucha sprint drill. The feedback may indicate whether the athlete'sperformance meets or fails to meet a threshold stride frequencycorresponding to a desired number of strides, or may cue the athletewith a cadence to a stride frequency. For example, in a 40 yard dashdrill, audible feedback in the form of beeps or tones could initiallyhave a relatively high frequency indicating quick acceleration stridesand subsequently have al lower frequency corresponding to a longer,post-acceleration stride. At the end of the test or training drill, theathlete could review when the timing of his or her strides matched withthe cued cadence and when it did not. Such cadence matching could be inaddition to counting the total number of foot strikes and strides. Suchdata collection and feedback could be applied to other drills such as,for example, shuttle drills.

The measurement modes of agility athletic performance measurement method300 and stride athletic performance measurement method 400 utilize eachacceleration sensor 102 to measure acceleration generally along avertical axis to detect foot strikes and associated performancecharacteristics. In another implementation, each acceleration sensor maymeasure acceleration along a lateral, generally horizontal axis todetect lateral changes in foot motion for measuring performancecharacteristics associated with an athlete changing direction fromside-to-side. For example, such a vertical-lateral two-dimensionalacceleration sensor 102 could be employed in athletic performancemeasurement method 300 to determine when an athlete changes directionrelative foot placement to further characterize, or guide improvementin, performance of the drill. Also, the acceleration data in a lateralplan can be used to determine an agility or quickness rating. Thetwo-dimensional acceleration data can be integrated over time to obtainvelocity and a velocity vector to determine speed in linear and lateraldynamic movement, which can be applied in an athleticism rating of theathlete or guide the athlete toward improved performance in theparticular drill.

As another example, multi-mode acceleration-based athleticismmeasurement system 100 with a vertical-lateral two-dimensionalacceleration sensor 102 can be used in drills or tests that characterizedirection-change reaction time in response to audible stimuli orcommands.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a direction-change reaction time athleticperformance measurement method 500 that is performed as adirection-change reaction time drill over a selected number of samplesand may be used in connection with calculating an athletic performancerating or improving performance during such reaction time drills. In adirection-change reaction time drill, an athlete changes lateraldirection as quickly as possible in responses to triggers or commands,which may be provided audibly or visible. The following description ismade with reference to audible triggers, but is similarly applicable tovisible triggers. The direction-change reaction time athleticperformance measurement may employ a vertical-lateral two-dimensionalacceleration sensor 102 positioned in or secured to one or each of theathlete's shoes, preferably an acceleration sensor 102 being positionedin or secured to each of the athlete's shoes. Conventionally,direction-change reaction time drills are simply exercises and are notmeasured for lack of an available measurement device.

In step 502 a direction-change reaction time drill is selected fromamong multiple selectable drills or exercises, which correspond todifferent measurement modes, listed on athleticism rating processingdevice 106 that is worn or carried by the athlete.

In step 504 a direction-change reaction time drill is started togetherwith a start of collecting of acceleration data by athleticismmeasurement system 100 in a direction-change reaction time drill mode.The acceleration data may be collected by athleticism rating processingdevice 106 that is worn or carried by the athlete. The start ofcollecting of acceleration data may be initiated by an audible cuegenerated by the athleticism rating processing device 106. In oneimplementation, the audible cue may be a simple tone or beep in responseto which the athlete is to take a lateral step in a direction oppositeof any prior lateral step. In another implementation, the audible cuemay be a verbal instruction to take a lateral step in a specifieddirection. Preferably, the start of collecting of acceleration databegins after an audible warning that the drill is about to begin.

In step 506 acceleration data are collected by athleticism measurementsystem 100 over the duration of the direction-change reaction timedrill.

In step 508 the direction-change reaction time drill is ended by anaudible termination cue together with ending of the collecting ofacceleration data by athleticism measurement system 100 based on aselected number or sequence of audible cues.

With a vertical-lateral two-dimensional acceleration sensor 102 beingpositioned in or secured to each of the athlete's shoes, theacceleration data measurement mode indicates the time duration betweeneach audible cue and the resulting lateral step of the athlete, therebymeasuring a lateral change of direction reaction time in response toeach audible cue. A drilling and testing goal of the direction-changereaction time drill is for an athlete to minimize reaction time inresponse to a cue or stimulus. The acceleration data, as an indicator ofthe reaction time during the drill, can be applied as a factor in anathleticism rating calculation or as a guide to assist an athlete inimproving direction-change reaction time skills.

Direction-change reaction time athletic performance measurement method500 is described with reference to a vertical-lateral two-dimensionalacceleration sensor 102. It will be appreciated that in otherimplementations acceleration sensor 102 may sense acceleration alongvertical and axial axes and be used in a direction-change reaction timeathletic performance measurement directed to forward and backwardchanges of direction.

Alternatively, acceleration sensor 102 may sense acceleration alongvertical, lateral, and axial axes and be used in a direction-changereaction time athletic performance measurement directed to lateralchanges of direction as well as forward and backward changes ofdirection.

As another example, multi-mode acceleration-based athleticismmeasurement system 100 with a two-dimensional acceleration sensor 102secured to one or each of an athlete's wrists, in addition to anacceleration sensor secured to one or both of the athlete's shoes, canbe used in drills or tests that characterize directions of arm movementduring running relative to running stride information. For example, atwo-dimensional acceleration sensor 102 on each wrist can be used todetermine and measure arm movement to characterize or guide improvementin the arm movement.

The arms have two main functions when running—developing a source ofpower and counter-acting unwanted rotation produced by running. Anathlete's arm speed can increase overall running speed when the armspeed and motion are executed properly. In one characterization, properarm movement includes forward movement extending the hands higher thanthe shoulders and backward movement extending hands behind the hips, allwhile the elbows are bent at 90-degrees and the hands do not cross thebody bilateral centerline. At the moment of each foot strike, theopposite-side arm should be in front and starting to move back behindthe hips. The change in direction of the arm will correspond to a changein direction of acceleration on the wrist-borne acceleration sensor 102.

Athlete arm movement performance information from wrist-borneacceleration sensors 102 may be collected together with running strideinformation collected from shoe-mounted sensors 102. The arm movementdata may be used to characterize or guide improvement of an athlete'sperformance, either during a drill directed solely to measuring armmovement or during a drill that measures arm movement as well as strideor other information, such as information about synchronization of armmovement with foot strikes and stride. Arm movement characterizationsmay be based upon on samples of athletes of different heights running atdifferent speeds to correlate the measured hand movement to a preferredfull-range arm motion to guide athletes away from undesired short, fastarm movements. Moreover, real-time feedback can be applied to armmovement range or arm movement synchronization during a performancedrill.

It will be appreciated that the measurement modes described withreference to FIGS. 2-5 are examples of multiple measurement modes inwhich multi-mode acceleration-based athleticism measurement system 100can be used. Examples measurement modes in which multi-modeacceleration-based athleticism measurement system 100 can be usedinclude stride frequency (Hz), flight time (per stride of average overtime), maximum acceleration, maximum velocity, etc. Based on sample gaitdata for different velocities, from walking to running to sprinting, astride length can be concluded from the acceleration data. Once a stridelength is calculated, distance can be calculated from the foot strikesindicated by peak-to-peak acceleration data. In addition, a runningaverage of velocity and acceleration can be computed to determinemaximum acceleration and velocity during a training test or drill.

As another example, athleticism measurement system 100 can be used todetermine athlete power based upon “explosiveness” of a first stepmovement. In this mode, acceleration data obtained during a verticaljump drill can directly indicate an athlete's loft time, from which avertical height of the jump can be directly calculated, together withthe forcefulness or power based upon the athlete's weight.

As yet another example, once the velocity curve over time is calculated,an area under the curve or a differential of a velocity over time curvecan be used to determine an athlete's power expenditure. An athlete'smaximum power can be calculated with respect to a maximum velocity as anupper limit. Similarly, a true power rating of athletic work performedcan be expressed in watts (W).

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thisinvention may be applied, it should be recognized that the detailedembodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of our invention. Rather, the invention includes all suchembodiments as may come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and memorystoring computer readable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the apparatus to: track movement data received from asensor associated with a user, wherein the movement data includes anaverage contact time for a foot of the user; compare the movement datato a predetermined performance criterion; and electronically transmit aguide for improving a running movement efficiency of the user based onthe comparison of the movement data to the predetermined performancecriterion, wherein the guide is calculated by analyzing firstacceleration data associated with a wrist of the user and secondacceleration data associated with a foot of the user to characterizedirection of arm movement during running relative to running strideinformation.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predeterminedperformance criterion includes a foot contact time threshold thatsatisfies a fast feet criterion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe predetermined performance criterion includes an accuracy thresholdof the movement data.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thepredetermined performance criterion includes a quantity threshold of themovement data.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide comprisesfeedback electronically transmitted in real-time.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the guide includes recommendations based on thecomparison of the movement data to the predetermined performancecriterion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predeterminedperformance criterion includes one or more cues for performing anaction, based on the comparison of the movement data to thepredetermined performance criterion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one wrist worn sensor.9. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that,when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: track movementdata received from a sensor associated with a user, wherein the movementdata includes an average contact time for a foot of the user; comparethe movement data to a predetermined performance criterion; andelectronically transmit a guide for improving a running movementefficiency of the user based on the comparison of the movement data tothe predetermined performance criterion, wherein the guide is calculatedby analyzing first acceleration data associated with a wrist of the userand second acceleration data associated with a foot of the user tocharacterize direction of arm movement during running relative torunning stride information.
 10. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 9, wherein the predetermined performance criterionincludes a foot contact time threshold that satisfies a fast feetcriterion.
 11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9,wherein the predetermined performance criterion includes an accuracythreshold of a user's movement.
 12. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 9, wherein the predetermined performance criterionincludes a quantity threshold of a user's movement.
 13. A methodcomprising: tracking movement data received from a sensor associatedwith a user, wherein the movement data includes an average contact timefor a foot of the user; comparing the movement data to a predeterminedperformance criterion; and electronically transmitting a guide forimproving a running movement efficiency of the user based on thecomparison of the movement data to the predetermined performancecriterion, wherein the guide is calculated by analyzing firstacceleration data associated with a wrist of the user and secondacceleration data associated with a foot of the user to characterizedirection of arm movement during running relative to running strideinformation.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predeterminedperformance criterion includes a foot contact time threshold thatsatisfies a fast feet criterion.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thepredetermined performance criterion includes an accuracy threshold ofthe movement data.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the predeterminedperformance criterion includes a quantity threshold of the movementdata.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the guide comprises feedbackelectronically transmitted in real-time.
 18. The method of claim 13,wherein the guide includes recommendations based on the comparison ofthe movement data to the predetermined performance criterion.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the predetermined performance criterionincludes one or more cues for performing an action, based on thecomparison of the movement data to the predetermined performancecriterion.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the sensor is a wristworn sensor.